DRL's

[Mr Linear]

Just watching the last Top Gear and noticed that the electric cars on test had the DRL's in the front fog position. I also saw a new Fabia VRS and Skoda seem to have replaced the front fogs with very bright DRL's.

On the old site I posted a topic regarding a a DRL module I purchased, which can be linked into the main beam to run at a lower power. I tried it on the front fogs and had them running at 10w each (full power is 35w each). The result is surprisingly good......not dazzling at all and very similar to the new running lights on the Passat/Superb and Merc E class.  And yes they switch off when the main lights are turned on.

I will post some pics. 

Mr L.

[Saabman]

I'd be interested to know the kit you have and to see the pics 

[Mr Linear]

Its a module called smartDRL. Made in Bulgaria and only 28 euro. I have had mine fitted since Feb with no probs. It seems to me to be a really good over engineered piece of kit. The sort of stuff that was hand made years ago and lasts!!

There is a website with wiring diagrams etc...

Mr L.

[Leon TurboX]

Sounds good, pictures would replace a thousand words!

[Mr Linear]

Here you go.



DRL @ 10w


Fogs @ 35w

Mr L.

[Mr Linear]

This is on main beam...



Mr L.

[ScarbSaab]

Any pictures on how and where you installed it? I've read and understood the instructions (never keen on those programming methods) but interested to know your solution to fitting. I suppose you've stuck it somewhere behind the ACC/SID?

Also, what is the legal position on using the fogs as DRLs? I suppose if it is at low power it might not be classed as a fog light, or because it operates independently of (...not concurrent with...) main lighting - which I understand is a key distinction between driving lights and fog lights.

[Max Headroom]

Also, what is the legal position on using the fogs as DRLs? I suppose if it is at low power it might not be classed as a fog light, or because it operates independently of (...not concurrent with...) main lighting - which I understand is a key distinction between driving lights and fog lights.

Well I only see a picture of a frog in what looks like an ice-cube - so shouldn't that read:

"Also, what is the legal position on using the frogs as DRLs? I suppose if it is at low power it might not be classed as a frog light, or because it operates independently of (...not concurrent with...) main lighting - which I understand is a key distinction between driving lights and frog lights."

Frog Lights as DRLs:

[Mr Linear]

I believe it's all to do with the intensity of the beam and whether or not it dazzles other drivers.

The legislation is a bit fuzzy at the moment with EU rules over riding some of the UK construction and use legislation.

Agreed fogs on full power can be blinding....but at 10w each they seem fine, not even as bright as the DRL's on the Mercs/VW cars.

I installed the module just behind the headlamp switch and had to run a cable out to the engine fusebox and tap in ahead of the fog light relay.

Took about an hour or so!!

Mr L.

[Mr Linear]

Just wondering if anyone else is having problems viewing the photo's I posted. If so I will try reposting later using a different image host.

Mr L.

[Leon TurboX]

Working fine for me, really like the look!

[Max Headroom]

This is odd - all I can see is two big pics of this:



And, I just found THIS article about the frozen frogs

[Max Headroom]

FROZEN FROGS EXPLAINED 

This may be because Im in Bahrain - Ill try logging in with ExPat Shield running and see if that makes any difference


EDIT

Ahaaaa! Now I can see them! That looks a nice spacious driveway too!
everyone must have been wondering why I was on about 'Frog lights' 

ExPat shield slows internet down so I dont use it too much  - mostly to watch BBC iPlayer